The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-11-05
MR.. SURGEONS SECESSION.
The Withdrawal of the Famous Divine
From tho Baptist Communion.

q
From tho Baptist Communion.
special Cable to the New York Herald
Never befoie could Surgeons tabcr-
nocle have beda 50 crowded ms l found it
this morning. Doubtless all American
tourists are acquainted with the immense
structure on the Surrey side OF London.
The vast amplitheatcr exhibited parterres
OF brilliant toilets and black coats. The
large side platform was also crowded, and
Mr.. Spurgeon Ollicinted from another
smaller side platform. He grows stouter
every year, and seemed in excellent health
and spirits. There is a fine organ, but no
choir, the congregation singing like an i'm
mense but unframed chorus.
Mr.. Sturgeon spoke as usual without
notes, sometimes resting his left hand on
the back of chair, but often stepping for
ward, grasping the rail and leaning over as
in familiar converse, The texts were Zepha-
Nah, iii, 10, II and IS:
10. In that day II shall be said to jerusalem fear
thou not add % Zion. Let not thine hands be sack
"; Tho Lord thy God IN the midst Of thee II
mighty; he will save. he will rejoice over thee with
10y he will rest In his love, he will JOY over thee
with singing.
H. will gather them that are sorrowful for the
solemn assembly who Hrc Oi thee, 10 whom the re.
proach OF II was n burden.
Tho great concoursc expected personal
reference TO his recent manifesto, but was
gicyously disappointed, "a lac proceeded
without single reference TO himself, ex-
ccpt u say that on next Thursday he would
leave for some time on holiday, M his
health was somewhat broken. His son Is
10 take his place. lie declined 10 say
whore he WIS going, rs lac wished TO secure
perfect rest.
The sermon was not remarkable, but
was mainly based upon the thesis Of the
great comfort and joy in practical religion.
Alter the sermon certainly fifty hearers
visited the pastor in his room, and nearly
all gave short messages oi comfort and ex-
pressed satisfaction with his recent course
Mr. Surgeons withdrawal from the
Baptist union causes rs much sensation in
nOn-comformist circles rs Lord Sillisbury's
withdrawal from the Cabinet would in
political circles. One Of the organs Of the
established church SAYS
at is fino example always when a
good man opposes himself against the
spirit OF the age and does battle temper
ately, without angry words. Whether his
cause he right or wrong is OF small impor-
lance when the instincts Of the hero are
good. The essential point il that he de-
livcrs his protest aud holds the field with
dignity. Mr.. Surgeons declaration Oi
faith IL q model. lie does not blame the
union Tor harboring errors, bcca.sc, ~ far
~ lac can see, II is ppwcrlcss To- help itself.
The preachers common sense is shown
most conspicnbusly in his pfuSal 10 start a
new dcnominatiun. lie declines 10 be
made n prophet 10 the resi-"
"Mr. Spupton accompanies his retire
mcnt with tho following six allegations:
That some persons arr allowed Ia remain
in the union who make light Of the atone
mont, dcny tile personality OF the Holy
Ghost, call the 1iiblc fable, speak Of
justification hy hith M immoral. refuse
credcnce to the dogma OF the plenary in
spiration Of the holy scriptures, and hold
that there IL another probation after death,
with possibilities Of q future restitution OF
the lost. Mr. Spurgcon says that oil I'M
ions begin 10 dock like confcderacics OF
evil. This ~ n grave charge, indeed Take
the British Baptist union only; IL consists
III 1000 churches, with pastors and n
communing membership OF over 2OO, 900.
Arc these churches and pastors federated
together in the union in cyil2 Mr.. Spur.
gcon states his case with great energy. but
what does he proven No books are cited,
no papers are quoted, no papers read at
the union are put In evidence; no adj
dresses given at its meetings are advanced;
not solitary man, not n solitary church
Ia named"
After defending the union at great
length and in good temper, the reverend
gentleman concluded thus "But suppos-
ing Mr.. Spurveon really had case. and
his indictment could bc proved, is his
withdrawal the best service that can be
rendered not to the Baptist union only
but Ia the kingdom II heaven, for which
the Baptist union cxists2 Christian
scholars have their contest The Old Tesla
ment.is being put into iiro heated Ia
acvcniOld ficrcencss, and the newer record
IN still unconsumcd m burning bush OF
criticism. Church builders sco the old
politics and orders changing. and scarcely
know what way 10 take with the social
difficulties thai rise NJ u hundred points ai
once. This surely, Of all tints. Is not the
hour for division. Every soldier Is want.
cd; not AN ounce OF power can be- spared. A"